Jerome Cooper & Kresten Osgood: As Of Not

249,00 kr

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Release date: 31-01-2020

Double LP

As of Not is the only existing recording of a seven part suite of the same name by the late experimental Jazz legend Jerome Cooper. Together with Kresten Osgood, who is a major force in the European Jazz scene, As of Not was recorded in Copenhagen in 2011.

Jerome Cooper’s composition is a testament of his renowned unique style, but the recording also captures what both of these artists are known for: Multi dimensional, multi textural expression of the highest intensity. Kresten and Jerome conjure countless different sounds and surrender them to the moment, creating a picture bigger than its parts. The music stretches out in multiple dimensions, with sometimes as many as five layers of sound erupting from this duo.

The suite starts with a serene, spiritual piano introduction, which then is taken into short, repeated rhythmical phrases that tumble over each other in an explosive mixture. Always moving forward, the rise and flow of tension helps to convey this composition full of pathos, energy and depth. Developing through multiple parts like scenes, it gives the impression of a story full of meaning, more felt than understood, and culminates in multiple cathartic moments.

Kresten Osgood (b. 1976) has been playing music his entire life, starting on piano and drums before he was old enough to remember himself. On his journey with music, Osgood has played in large parts of the world and played all kinds of music ranging from marimba bands, African rhythms, organ combos (he recently began performing on the B3 as an organist himself), all kinds of jazz, improvised music, abstraction, hip hop, rhythm and blues and accompanying singer-songwriters.

Jerome Cooper (1946 - 2015) has left us a body of compositions and recordings that will continue to inspire and touch us. He wasone of the outstanding figures in experimental Jazz, mostly knownas a multi-dimensional drummer, but also as composer of strikingly unique pieces. Cooper played Balafon, Piano, Bugle, Chirimia and Electronic Tonal Activator in addition to trap drums. He was born in Chicago, moved to Europe in the late ‘60s, before returning to the United States in the 70’s. Cooper worked and recorded withAnthony Braxton, Lester Bowie, Cecil Taylor, Andrew Hill, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, Oscar Brown, Jr, Kalaparusha Maurice McIntyre, Steve Lacy, Lou Bennet, Alan Silva, Frank Wright, Noah Howard, Sam Rivers, George Adams, and Karl Berger among many others.

Together with Leroy Jenkins and Sirone (Norris Jones) heestablished the Revolutionary Ensemble in the ‘70s, which touredextensively and made far-reaching, critically acclaimed albums. The Revolutionary Ensemble reunited in 2004 and released a new album, “And Now...” which featured Coopers suite “911-544” that was based on his experience of watching the World Trade Center attacks from the roof of his apartment building. In 2011, part of his visit for concerts, masterclasses and symposium in Denmark, he recorded his six part composition “As of Not” with Kresten Osgood in Copenhagen. Cooper died May 6, 2015 in Brooklyn, New York.

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